Travel agency owner Gary Johnson, co-founder of Seattle-based Woodside Travel, visits Lanai twice a year.
"It's paradise there," said Johnson, who has worked as a travel professional for almost 40 years.
"I like all of the islands, but [Lanai is] like an escape."
Here's Johnson's perfect seven-day itinerary on Lanai.
Days 1 to 4
Johnson recommends staying on Lanai for at least a week, and splitting time between the island's two resorts: Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort; and Four Seasons Resort Lanai.
Most travelers fly into Honolulu before connecting to Lanai via Lanai Air, which features a small private plane that can be booked with a resort stay. Once on the island, resort staff meet guests at the airport and take them to their hotel.
Johnson recommends starting up-country at Sensei Lanai, which sits at a higher elevation.
Gary Johnson
"Sensei is all about relaxation and wellness," he said. "They have amazing classes every day in these beautiful outdoor pavilions, like yoga and Pilates. They have spa bungalows that are the size of my home."
Johnson also recommends clients book a pavilion for two hours and take advantage of the amenities, including getting a massage or soaking in a plunge pool. There's also a garden, a waterfall and a Japanese soaking tub.
Guests can also take guided hikes, go horseback riding, golf or explore the resort's grounds and beautiful gardens, he said.
"You can get everything you want at the activity center," Johnson said. "If you're a cat person, there's a cat sanctuary [on Lanai] with hundreds of cats that they've rescued, and you can adopt them. ... Sensei will drive you there."
Lanai City is also a 15-minute walk away, offering a handful of casual restaurants, small shops and a movie theater.
"They've just opened a really cool new bowling alley in the park," he said. "They used to have it, like, 50 years ago, and they have three lanes, so that's fun to do."
For dining, he noted that there is a Nobu restaurant at both properties, and he also recommended stopping at the Lanai City Grill at Hotel Lanai.
"They have great food there," he said. "There's entertainment at night, and local Hawaiian slack key guitar players, so that's really fun."
A guest lounges in a spot overlooking the beach at Four Seasons Resort Lanai. Source: Courtesy of Four Seasons
Days 5 to 7
For the second half of the trip, Johnson recommends heading to Four Seasons Resort Lanai, which is on the coast.
"The rooms are spectacular," he said. "They have some beautiful one-bedroom suites with Japanese soaking tubs and spectacular views. It's a gorgeous property."
For clients traveling with kids, Four Seasons might be the place to be for the entire trip, especially since Sensei is adults only.
"You have one of the best beaches in Hawaii," he said. "What I love in the morning there, you get up early and sit on your lanai having a latte. And you're watching all these beautiful spinner dolphins out in the water. It's just spectacular."
The beachfront resort offers a wide range of activities, from snorkeling and boating excursions to a sunset cruise. And plenty of kid-friendly activities, too.
"A couple years ago, they put a great big telescope in, and you can book that in the evening. It's amazing what you can see," he said. "They also have spa facilities, a gym, multiple restaurants, a couple nice boutiques, and you're right on the beach."
Both resorts provide shuttle service between the properties, so renting a car isn't necessary for most visitors -- though it does provide access to some of the island's other attractions.
"Maybe one day you could rent a car, and you will have a four-wheel-drive if you want to go to Shipwreck Beach," he said, referring to a popular spot on the north side of the island. But, he noted, Lanai only has about 30 miles of paved roads, so if it rains, off-roading sights may be impossible to get to.
For travelers looking to unplug, Johnson emphasizes that seclusion and luxury are what makes the island stand out.
"It's an oasis of escape within Hawaii," he said.